Yesterday was one of those days that had a great many wow things for me that made me appreciate what I have and appreciate those whose lives I interact with.

The morning started with a meeting with Anna Burke, the Federal Member for Chisholm. Anna is Michael’s representative, and she was doing a meet and greet with her constituents on the street.

Saturday was a cold, wet and windy day. A few people braved the elements to have a chat with Anna, and it wasn’t long before our turn arrived. In a couple of words Anna guessed that we where there to talk about ‘gay marriage’. Well, not really. We were there to talk about our families. Anna was forthright and honest in her interaction with us. She’s a very good politician. She sympathised with us, told us about her stance and how in her electorate she has more christians talking to her about opposing marriage equality than she does have gay couples talking in favour of it. It seems pretty clear in her mind that the majority of her constituents are not in favour of marriage equality, and that’s her stance. The majority rules. I did point out to her that it wouldn’t be the first time that the government did something that didn’t have majority support. Be sure to check out Michael’s blog about the meeting.

Then it was on to brunch with our good friend Daniel. Daniel has a 18 month old son, Rupert. We sat and talked about our lives and what’s going on in them. Rupert was gorgeous. It’s great to see a dad and his son out together, sharing life. It was all too short for my liking before we had to part ways and move on to the next part of the day.

It was the Equal Love Rally, starting at the State Library. I’ve been to many of these over the past 8 years since the Federal Parliament changed the marriage act to say that marriage was between one man and one woman. Both the major parties supported this change, the Liberals and the Labor party should hang their heads in shame. There were all the standard speeches, Doug Pollard gave a great talk.

However, what made this one special was the people that were there.

Michael’s parents, Naomi and Merv came along as a show of support. It was fantastic to have them with us, watching and listening. Merv and Naomi are a great couple, to have them acknowledge not just their son Michael, but also me and our relationship in such a way makes me extremely happy.

Then there was Jim. A Facebook friend who has seen the insanity of the discrimination against gay people and taken a stance. He was at the rally with his son and his signs. Jim, on the Facebook Group Proud to be a Second Class Citizen had this to say:

As a hetero bloke supporting the cause I was very well received, but I wasn’t there for kudos, I’m just an old left wing radical and love supporting the downtrodden.

Well kudos to you Jim. Your support is well received. I was delighted when I was standing there chatting to Jim when a man with a child on his hip approached Jim and expressed to him how great it was to have his support and how he wished there were more people like Jim in the world. It was unexpected and deeply satisfying to hear those words spoken from one human to another. The world needs more people just like this.

Jim goes on to say:

I met some wonderful people who helped to fulfill my life. And I hope I added a little to the cause.

Jim helps to make a difference by taking the time to be there. He took the time to make a sign and proudly walked amongst the crowd. He even did it despite the weather! Now that’s dedication.

Thanks Jim.

You, Merv and Naomi help to make my day.

After the rally we made our way home. Time for a nibble and a bit of a rest. During that time my two children, Caitlin and Tomas were busy getting ready for a 21st party. They both were dressed up and looking the part! I can’t believe that my two adult children are grown up and taking charge of their lives. Taking themselves off to celebrate with friends, looking very dapper, handsome and pretty. Despite living with their gay dad and his gay partner in an unmarried household they turned out all right. Although I’m a bit worried about Tomas’ need to wear braces.

It says Gregroy instead of Gregory

The next part of my wow day was my birthday dinner. Michael had arranged a surprise dinner restaurant, and I happily followed him towards St Patrick’s catholic cathedral, thinking perhaps we had a dinner date with a bishop. Luckily the Park Hyatt loomed before the church and I found myself sitting in the Radii Restaurant. I was treated to some of the best food Melbourne has to offer in a wonderful surrounding. We had the degustation menu, six courses with matching wines. The highlight for me would have to me the sugar cured ocean trout and the tapenade crusted lamb. The service was top notch and the food was melt in your mouth yummy. The wine, well, what can I say. I may have to reconsider my blanket ban on sauvignon blanc. What really made the whole experience worth while was the company. I was sitting with the man I love. We were relaxed and engaged with each other. Enjoying yet another experience together. This man that has come into my life has really changed me. To be with him is as good as it gets.

The final part of our night out together was a magical trip down Bennetts Lane. I had no idea such places existed. We walked from the restaurant to the Bennetts Lane Jazz Club. Down Little Lonsdale Street and then down a narrow lane way. We walked along with others into this deadend street, and there at the end is a sign pointing to a little doorway. We went in to discover a club full of life and atmosphere. There was excitement in the air and people enjoying each others company. We found a seat in the crowed area and in a bit Tim Freedman appeared and started to sing.

The man and his piano. Making music. Such terrific entertainment from a very talented man. Playing his music to a small and appreciative audience. He interacted with us, made us laugh and allowed us to sing along with him.

I can’t finish this entry without thinking about my mother. She died recently. That happens to all of us. As I sat with Michael enjoying a Huon salmon fillet it occurred to me that for the first time in my 49 years of life, my mother wouldn’t be wishing me a happy birthday. There would be no phone call and no card. I can’t even type those words without a profound sense of loss.

That moment does not diminish the day I have, it adds to my wow day. I have been surrounded by people who bring different things to my life. Thanks people.